Lectric FX Abacus/EHX sequencer drum Mods

[Diynot]

So, my eyes have wandered again and landed at Lectric FX site and their Abacus project (there’s always one more). Thing is, I really want to add switches to suspend/stop individual steps, but not sure if it’s possible. Looking at maybe placing a switch between the pins of the cd4015 and pin 1 of the tuning pots. Would this have the desired effect w/o trashing the other steps? Also, I have a thought of getting 2 of them and possibly dropping a switch in that would allow running them in series (16 steps) or parallel. Looking at the schematic, I think maybe there are too many connections at the end of the steps to be feasible, but would appreciate a more technical appraisal. Any thoughts, criticisms, question of my sanity?

 

[Diynot]

So let’s change the question a bit, if I leave an output pin open/unconnected on a cmos chip, does the sequence still continue to the next step?

 

[thesmokingman]

the short answer is no, you can't just drop a switch in there because you have no way of advancing the sequence ... here's some DIY for you

CMOS 4017 Based 8 Step Sequencer - DIY Audio Circuits

Build a step sequencer for your digital synths! In this tutorial, you will learn the basics of step sequencers, why they are useful, and how to build your own 8-10 …

diyaudiocircuits.com

Video: 8 Step Sequencer - DIY Audio Circuits

YouTube channel LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER has a great in-depth video review of the classic 8 step sequencer. He discusses concepts such as control voltage and he also shows how …

diyaudiocircuits.com

 

[Diynot]

Thanks @thesmokingman. Yeah, I found a few articles that I was trying to slog through talking ab having to flip the “Q” to “non-Q” and what not. Out of my league for sure. I guess I will build the Abacus for what it is and look to another sequencer board that has more of those options. Music From Outer Space and Synthrotek have a few def not easy builds fo sure